Manager John Sheridan is steeling himself for a series of tough tests as the League One promotion race hots up.

Latics sit fourth in the division ahead of a packed schedule which sees Latics in action FOUR times between today and March 7.

That tough sequence begins tonight when Bristol Rovers visit Boundary Park looking to continue a recent run of encouraging form.

Athletic haven't fared well against Rovers of late, but Sheridan is hoping to gain revenge tonight following a 2-0 defeat at the Memorial Stadium earlier in the season.

He said: "Bristol Rovers have been something of a bogey side for us - they are well organised and they have an excellent striker up front in Rickie Lambert.

"Like every team in this league they can beat anyone on their day and I can almost certainly say that every game will be tough from now until the end of the season.

"Paul Trollope and Lennie Lawrence have built up a decent side there and they have had some excellent results of late."

Sheridan added: "Our home form has been excellent and we must aim to continue that tonight.  I can tell you now, though, that Bristol Rovers will be just as tough opponents as Millwall and Leeds, who we face soon.

"Nine points from the next three games is a big ask but that must be the aim and that process starts tonight."